The upstairs lounge at Marfreless, the River Oaks bar which has reopened after extensive renovations. It celebrated its 40th anniversary just months before closing in February of 2013.

The upstairs lounge at Marfreless, the River Oaks bar which has reopened after extensive renovations. It celebrated its 40th anniversary just months before closing in February of 2013.

Photo: Gary Fountain, For The Houston Chronicle

The upstairs lounge at Marfreless, the River Oaks bar which has... Photo-5818961.79027 - Houston Chronicle

Image 3 of 18

Marfreless, the River Oaks bar has reopened after extensive renovations. It celebrated its 40th anniversary just months before closing in February of 2013.

Marfreless, the River Oaks bar has reopened after extensive renovations. It celebrated its 40th anniversary just months before closing in February of 2013.

Photo: Gary Fountain, For The Houston Chronicle

Marfreless, the River Oaks bar has reopened after extensive... Photo-5818962.79027 - Houston Chronicle

Image 4 of 18

Bartenders Robin Sinclair, from left, Mike Gonzalez, Antonio Santiago and Jaclyn Hill at Marfreless, the River Oaks bar which has reopened after extensive renovations. It celebrated its 40th anniversary just months before closing in February of 2013. less

Bartenders Robin Sinclair, from left, Mike Gonzalez, Antonio Santiago and Jaclyn Hill at Marfreless, the River Oaks bar which has reopened after extensive renovations. It celebrated its 40th anniversary just ... more

The selection of whiskeys and cognac at Marfreless, the River Oaks bar which has reopened after extensive renovations. It celebrated its 40th anniversary just months before closing in February of 2013.

The selection of whiskeys and cognac at Marfreless, the River Oaks bar which has reopened after extensive renovations. It celebrated its 40th anniversary just months before closing in February of 2013.

Photo: Gary Fountain, For The Houston Chronicle

The selection of whiskeys and cognac at Marfreless, the River Oaks... Photo-5818964.79027 - Houston Chronicle

Image 6 of 18

Bartender Jaclyn Hill at Marfreless, the River Oaks bar which has reopened after extensive renovations. It celebrated its 40th anniversary just months before closing in February of 2013.

Bartender Jaclyn Hill at Marfreless, the River Oaks bar which has reopened after extensive renovations. It celebrated its 40th anniversary just months before closing in February of 2013.

Bartender Mike Gonzalez making a French Martini at Marfreless, the River Oaks bar which has reopened after extensive renovations. It celebrated its 40th anniversary just months before closing in February of 2013. less

Bartender Mike Gonzalez making a French Martini at Marfreless, the River Oaks bar which has reopened after extensive renovations. It celebrated its 40th anniversary just months before closing in February of ... more

Bartender Mike Gonzalez making a French Martini at Marfreless, the River Oaks bar which has reopened after extensive renovations. It celebrated its 40th anniversary just months before closing in February of 2013. less

Bartender Mike Gonzalez making a French Martini at Marfreless, the River Oaks bar which has reopened after extensive renovations. It celebrated its 40th anniversary just months before closing in February of ... more